The Ride of Your Life: Stay Safe at Amusement Parks

Every summer, millions of people visit theme parks. They wait hours in line to ride the biggest and fastest roller coasters. Roller coasters are generally safe, but they are also the most dangerous rides at amusement parks. The “scare factor” is the thrill of the twists, turns, and speed. Unfortunately, sometimes terrifying accidents occur. These can be due to equipment failure, the operator’s error, or a rider’s irresponsible acts. In any event, roller coaster injuries and fatalities are preventable.

In mechanical failures, parts of the roller coaster may break or loosen causing serious injuries, even fatalities to riders or those in close proximity to the ride. The Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates how rides are manufactured, but there are no regulations on set-up and maintenance. Although most rides are subject to a visual inspection on a daily basis, it is difficult to spot an internal failure. Recently in California, seven people were injured when a roller coaster chain snapped. If there was a uniform set of regulations required by all states, this accident may have been prevented.

Just because a ride has been inspected does not guarantee it is being operated safely. Some errors are due to the ride operator, such as failure to ensure all restraints are secured, negligently operating the ride, allowing inappropriate activities on or near the ride, or not ensuring minimum requirements are met by riders. To prevent operator errors, parks need to provide a training manual covering the basics of ride mechanics, extensive safety procedures, and a variety of potential accident situations and how to react to them. The operator should be required to pass a test before operating the ride.

Still, the vast majority of accidents are due to rider negligence. Here is a list of things you can do to stay safe:

1. Follow posted signs regarding rider recommendations – height requirements, health concerns, and physical limitations.

2. Wear the seat belt and/or harness; make sure they are snug. Use the lap bar. Ask the ride operator to check it.

3. Don’t wear clothing that dangles or drags. Wear sturdy shoes such as tennis shoes; not flip-flops.

4. Keep arms, legs, and head inside the compartment.

5. Sit properly on the ride to avoid compromising the effectiveness of the safety restraints.

6. Never try to stand while on a roller coaster.

7. Make sure the ride has come to a complete stop before existing. Most injuries occur when riders try to exit too soon.

8. Secure loose articles – sunglasses, cell phones, keys, hates, etc. Lose items can fly out and potentially injure other riders or park goers.

By following these simple safety precautions, riding a roller coaster can be a safe and enjoyable experience. Like bicycle safety, school bus safety, water safety, pedestrian safety, and driving safety; treat roller coaster safety seriously. Be safe and enjoy the thrill!

Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life funding is needed during litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.